Two people reported missing at Waikuku Beach have been found in the water and brought to shore following a major emergency response on Thursday evening.

A police spokesperson told Chris Lynch the two people had been located in the water and brought to shore, where they were being checked by St John.

Chris Lynch Media understands one of the people is in a serious condition.

Police were called to Waikuku Beach shortly after 6.30pm following a report that two people were unaccounted for.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said Coastguard North Canterbury volunteers were deployed after Coastguard’s National Operations Centre was contacted by police shortly after 6.30pm.

Surf lifesaving personnel, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a rescue helicopter were also involved in the response.